Review: They Wish They Were Us

            

Book description: Gossip Girl meets One of Us Is Lying in this slick, taut murder mystery set against the backdrop of an exclusive prep school on Long Island.

In Gold Coast, Long Island, everything from the expensive downtown shops to the manicured beaches, to the pressed uniforms of Jill Newman and her friends, looks perfect. But as Jill found out three years ago, nothing is as it seems.

Freshman year Jill's best friend, the brilliant, dazzling Shaila Arnold, was killed by her boyfriend. After that dark night on the beach, Graham confessed, the case was closed, and Jill tried to move on.

Now, it's Jill's senior year and she's determined to make it her best yet. After all, she's a senior and a Player--a member of Gold Coast Prep's exclusive, not-so-secret secret society. Senior Players have the best parties, highest grades and the admiration of the entire school. This is going to be Jill's year. She's sure of it.

But when Jill starts getting texts proclaiming Graham's innocence, her dreams of the perfect senior year start to crumble. If Graham didn't kill Shaila, who did? Jill vows to find out, but digging deeper could mean putting her friendships, and her future, in jeopardy.

My review: 

They Wish They Were Us is enthralling and captivating from the start and I just couldn't put it down. I love YA mystery thrillers like this and really wish there were more of them out there. I find it interesting that the crime has already taken place and that we are then presented with the idea that the person convicted of it may not have actually done it. So then you're wondering well who did. On top of that the whole Players thing is pretty intriguing and seems to really shine a spotlight on peer pressure and naive youth. It touches on a lot of issues including bullying, sexism, ethics, and more. I think the author did a good job at planting little seeds about a few characters and while some have said they knew right away who did it, I'll admit that I did not. I did realize it shortly before it was revealed, but I still had fun getting there and getting the satisfaction of being right when it finally was presented without a doubt. I think it was a great choice and I thoroughly enjoyed reading They Wish They Were Us.  

        I received this book through bookishfirst and this is my honest and voluntary review. 

Review: Romeantically Challenged by Marina Adair

Book description:

Growing up the lone Asian in a community of WASPs, Annie has always felt out of place. Her solution? Start a family of her own. Not easy when every man she’s dated, including her ex-fiancée, finds “his person” right after breaking up with Annie. Even worse than canceling the wedding eight weeks beforehand? Learning the “other woman” plans to walk down the aisle wearing her wedding gown. New plan—find a fresh, man-free start. Too bad her exit strategy unexpectedly lands her working at a hospital in Rome, Rhode Island, rather than Rome, Italy, and sharing a cabin with a big, brooding, and annoyingly hot male roommate.

Home on medical leave after covering a literally explosive story in China, investigative photojournalist Emmitt embarks on his most important assignment—cementing his place in his daughter’s life. Three men and a baby might work in the movies, but with a stepdad and devoted uncle competing for Paisley’s attention, Emmitt has lost his place at the family table. Then there’s the adorably sexy squatter in his cabin, who poses another problem, one he’d very much like to solve up close and personal. But he can’t win—Annie has sworn off men, Paisley’s gone boy crazy, and Emmitt’s estranged father reappears with a secret that changes everything.

Annie and Emmitt are about to discover love comes in many forms, and sometimes the best families are the ones we make.

My review: 

          I love enemies to lovers stories and after reading the firstlook I really thought this book would be the perfect romcom read. Unfortunately the story seemed to drag for me. I mean everything seemed fine in theory, but the execution of it just left me bored! I had to keep forcing myself to read to get through this one and even had to take breaks to read other books to try to refresh. No matter how optimistic I would be going back into the story, it just never hit home with me. It also really annoyed me that Emmitt knew and even talked about how Anh hates being called Annie and only does it to make other people happy, YET he turns around and calls her Annie over half of the time himself. I mean seriously, why? I hate that I didn't like this one more. It had great potential. 

** I received this book through bookishfirst and this is my honest and voluntary review. **

        

Review: Rambling Star Ranch by Diane J. Reed

About the Book

Tempest Wright has become a local celebrity with the tough love advice she dishes out on her popular radio show in the small western town of Bandits Hollow. She’s got all the answers for kicking two-timing husbands, freeloaders, and other losers to the curb. That is, until her son’s unruly Angus nearly gets him thrown out of 4-H. Not even Tempest’s shock jock one-liners can get through to this little bull, and what she needs most is an expert cowboy to put the animal through his paces. Little does she know that handsome steer wrestler Dixon Ramsey has a few sexy and surprising paces of his own. And with a bit of magical help from Granny Tinker, Dixon shows Tempest a whole new world where love is real on the range, second chances are worth fighting for, and only the toughest cowboys survive–because they know how to stay.

My review:

Rambling Star Ranch is a fun and captivating romance with just the right touch of magical realism. Tempest is a strong yet vulnerable woman and a wonderful mother. Exactly the type of character I love to read about! She has been hurt in her past and basically made a job out of protecting others from the same fate. She's built the walls around her heart so tall and strong she's even earned the nickname Tempest the Terminator. Don't let her fool you though. I knew right away when she met Dixon (a.k.a. accidentally groped his chest lol) that she was going to fall head over heels for the handsome cowboy. He's definitely a charmer and I loved how he cared for not only her, but also her son. Dixon is confident, handsome, a gentleman, and a cowboy... How could she possibly resist?!! Their chemistry is great and their easy banter kept a smile on my face. The entire setting of the story with the fair and the competition is just such fun and I was completely immersed in the story. The magical realism is always part of the wonderful charm from this author and I love that she included my favorite mystical character Granny Tinker. It just wouldn't be the same without her meddling! So if you're like me and handsome cowboys, witty banter, mischievous old ladies, and a bit of magic are your thing then this book is for you!

** I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review. **

Review: The Half Sister by Sandie Jones

 

Book description: 

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club pick The Other Woman, comes a compelling new domestic suspense novel about a family who is forever changed when a stranger arrives at their door.

THE TRUTH

Sisters Kate and Lauren meet for Sunday lunch every week without fail, especially after the loss of their father.

THE LIE

But a knock at the door is about to change everything. A young woman by the name of Jess holds a note with the results of a DNA test, claiming to be their half sister.

THE UNTHINKABLE

As the fallout starts, it's clear that they are all hiding secrets, and perhaps this family isn't as perfect as it appears.

 My review:

The Half Sister is a very gripping story full of suspense and family drama. A girl claiming to be Kate and Lauren's half sister shows up at the very beginning of the story and from there the story twists and bends making you wonder what's the truth and what is this girl's true intentions. I found it all very compelling and couldn't stop reading until I found out the truth for myself. I really liked the fast pace and think the story pretty much led where I was expecting, but still throughly enjoyed the journey to get there. I was a bit confused still at the end of the story about a room found in Jess's place, but other than that the other lingering questions just add to the suspenseful feeling of the story. Overall I think it was a great read and look forward to reading more books by Sandie Jones.
       
** I received this book through bookishfirst and this is my honest and voluntary review. **

Review: Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason

Description



Sparks fly between a famous YouTuber and a former Army Ranger in this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance from the USA Today bestselling queen of small-town love stories.

Welcome to Highland Falls, a small town where love is always in the air.

In just a few months Abby Everhart has gone from being a top influencer to an unemployed divorcée living out of her car. So inheriting her great-aunt's homestead comes at the perfect time. Abby heads to Highland Falls, North Carolina, to spruce up Honeysuckle Farm before putting it on the market for some much-needed cash. But instead of finding a charming getaway, she discovers a serious fixer-upper, complete with a leaky roof, overgrown yard, and a reclusive -- albeit sexy -- man living on the property.

Ex-Delta Force soldier Hunter MacKenzie has faced war and loss, but nothing has quite prepared him for an outgoing redhead who's determined to turn his life upside down. Hunter doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a city girl who plans to sell the only place he's ever felt at home. But the sparks between them are undeniable. Spending time with Abby is easy. Convincing her to stay for good is another matter entirely.



My review: 

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge is absolutely delightful! I don't remember the last time a book made me smile and laugh so much. Abby is so endearing and cute. I couldn't help but cheer for her and her neverending optimism. Hunter is masculine, a bit brooding, and totally hot! I knew from the moment they met that sparks would fly. Speaking of which falling into a pond is a super fun meet cute lol. There were several amazing secondary characters as well and I am super excited to read more about Highland Falls and it's residents. Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge has me under it's fairy magic for sure! Another enchanting story from my favorite author. Highly recommended for all contemporary romance fans.

** I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest and voluntary review. **

I tried two book boxes

I recently tried out two book box subscriptions I found through Amazon.

My first month's subscription to Romance Reveal Book Box was not only my first book box from them, but it's also my first subscription book box ever! So I'm super excited!!! 😁 Book boxes are so fun! Romance Reveal Book Box is definitely a winner! I love that the books come signed and the candle, bookmarks, notepad, and pen will all definitely come in handy. I also gave the temporary tattoo and candy to my daughter, so that made her happy lol. If you'd like to see some pictures of what I found inside my box check them out  below.

The 2nd box I tried is called Coloring and Classics. This one I thought would be fun because every month you get a hardcover (genre of your choice), an adult coloring book, and an activity book of sorts. I chose Romance as my genre. The Doodling for Bookworms is really fun and I am super pleased with it and this box. You even get coloring pencils with your first box. In this particular box they also included a sucker (I'm not sure if this is something included in every box). Here'sa picture of what I received in my box:

The book sounds super good! I can't wait to read it! 

*I purchased this myself and was not asked to do this post or compensated in anyway. This is 100% all me and just because I love books and figured other readers are curious about these boxes just like I was.*

More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn - Blog Tour post with excerpt

ABOUT MORE THAN MAYBE:
Growing up under his punk rocker dad’s spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn’t in front of a crowd, it’s on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell. Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stoneinternship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her? In More Than Maybe, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ERIN HAHN is the author of You'd Be Mine and More Than Maybe. She teaches elementary, would rather be outside and makes a lot of playlists. So many playlists in fact, that she decided to write books to match them! She married her very own YA love interest who she met on her first day of college and has two kids who are much, much cooler than she ever was at their age. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, aka the greenest place on earth and has a cat named Gus who plays fetch and a dog named June who doesn’t.


Buy this book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250231642

Author website: https://www.erinphahn.com/
Author Twitter: @erinhahn_author
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17130322.Erin_Hahn
Author Instagram: @erinhahn_author

Excerpt from More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn. Copyright 2020 by the author and reprinted by permission of Wednesday Books.

I slip my phone back in my pocket, and the door opens again, causing my heart to flip-flop in my chest. Luke Greenly walks in, looking wet and harried and straight from my nerdiest daydreams, carrying his longboard under his arm and a cardboard coffee cup in his hand. Luke and Cullen aren’t identical twins. Cullen is tall and wiry with dark hair. Luke’s broad shouldered and fair with longish pale blond hair, currently plastered to his forehead despite the hoodie under his black leather jacket. He’s also got light gray-blue eyes behind bold black frames, contrasting his twin’s un-spectacled dark brown ones. Yet somehow, when they’re together, they look the same. They move in a similar way. And, yeah, their accents are yummy.
(I would never, ever admit it, but I play their podcast recordings before bed. Luke’s voice is extra soothing. Deep, lyrical, and crisp.)
The owner of those golden vocals approaches, and I duck, prodding at my nearly empty cup in an effort to hide my flaming cheeks. The Loud Lizard is my territory, and I am cool and calm and not at all flustered by Luke Greenly. We’ve spoken exactly nine times since Christmas and I’m, regrettably, still nervous around him. Also, I’m still counting. So, that’s . . . annoying.
“Hey-hey, Vada.” Luke clears his throat.
“Thought we wouldn’t see you tonight. Didn’t you have plans?” Cullen asks.
“I did, yeah. But Kazi didn’t show.” Thank God Kazi is reliably unreliable. No need to mention my Marcus drama to the Greenly twins.
“Shocking,” Cullen says drolly.
“Yeah, so I’m here. For a little longer anyway.” “Well,” says Cullen, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. The music dies down as the band wraps up their set. Unless it’s a special occasion, our live music usually ends early on Sundays, which is convenient for the Greenlys. The sound booth isn’t exactly soundproof in this place. “D’you need a ride home?”
I shake my head and lean into him. “Nah, I brought my mom’s car since I planned to meet my dad. Wanted a quick getaway.” That part’s true anyway.
Luke’s full lips twist in a half grin, and he removes his frames to give them a swipe on the dry edge of his hoodie.
I pull out the keys Phil left me and lead Luke and Cullen down a dark hallway, away from the noise of glasses clinking and instruments being loaded up. I unlock the sound booth and flick on a light.
“All yours, boys.”
Cullen leans down and smacks a kiss on my cheek. “Thanks, doll.”
I don’t know the Greenly twins super well, but Cullen is definitely the outgoing one. He’s also very, very gay. He’s been with his boyfriend, Zack, for so long they won homecoming kings this past fall by a landslide. Maybe that’s why I can talk to him so easily. Or maybe that’s just Cullen. His superpower is making people comfortable.
But it’s rare for me to see Luke without headphones or even hear his voice in person. I give him my best smile, but he only nods shyly as they pass. I inwardly sigh, all lust and longing and whatever else alliterative pining I can come up with. You know it’s bad when I’m the social one. I wait for them to get hunkered down at the mics before I close the door with a soft click behind me.
Back on the floor, I fill another cup with cherries and settle in to people watch. We have the modern equivalent to a jukebox in the corner that can be fed off debit cards, and someone’s clearly coming off a bad break because a second loop of Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry” has started. I skim the club for the culprit. My money’s on the black-haired beauty with Cover Girl’s Matte #5 stained on her one, two, three straws. “Get it, girl,” I mumble under my breath. Demi is a perfectly respectable breakup diva. See also: Sam Smith and Ray LaMontagne.
The door flings open with a gust of icy air, and Kazi appears in his pale, full-on dread-headed glory. I glance at my watch. Ohhhhh, he’s late. Or, later. Phil’s not gonna be happy.
I pass the keys to Kazi with a bored scowl. “You get to wake up Phil,” I say. He winces, and I don’t bother to hide my smile. “Also, he was expecting you half an hour ago, so.”
Grabbing my jacket from behind the bar and feeling for my keys, I wave goodbye to Ben and head out into the night. My breath huffs out in front of me. I unlock my door with a beep and immediately lock it behind me, turning on the heater and heated seats full blast and letting the ringing in my ears from an afternoon spent in a noisy club dissipate.
But I don’t like the silence. What I want is to walk back into the bar and perch on a stool and listen to breakup songs and banter with Cullen and let Phil preach at me. I want to help Ben pour drinks, cast dirty looks at Kazi, and wait for the moment Luke leaves and see if I can’t earn one last shy smile from him. I want to stay here. I want to delay the moment when I have to face my hurt feelings—or worse, my mom’s hurt feelings, because even after all this time, Marcus is still breaking two hearts with one drunken accusation.
After a minute, I release a slow breath and reluctantly pull my seat belt across my lap, backing out of my space to drive home. My real home, and not just the place that feels like it.